Naartjie is a small, sweet citrus fruit with a loose, easy-to-peel skin, whereas an orange is larger, slightly less sweet, and has a firmer, more difficult-to-peel skin.

Tangerine vs. Naartjie — What's the Difference? By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023 Tangerines are a variety of mandarin oranges, small and sweet; naartjies are a South African term for a type of soft, easy-to-peel tangerine.

Naartjie, native to South Africa, is celebrated for its distinctly sweet and slightly tart flavor, which makes it a popular snack. On the other hand, Mandarin oranges, encompassing varieties like clementines and tangerines, offer a range of flavors from sweet to tart, making them versatile in culinary uses.

The skin of a tangerine is thicker, with a pebbly texture that can vary in color from deep orange to red-orange. In contrast, clementines have a notably thin, smooth skin that is easier to peel, making them a popular choice for snacks, especially for children.

(South Africa) Citrus reticulata (mandarin, satsuma, tangerine); a soft, loose-skinned tangerine.